Sioux Center, IA - Official Website

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FAQs

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Airport

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1. Is there airline service available?: No. For airline services nearest to Sioux Center, please view the following link. Nearby Airline Services

2. What is the length of the runway?: The runway is 3802 feet long and 50 feet wide.

3. Does the airport have information on all airplanes coming and going?: Usually not. Since there is not a control tower, prior notification is not a requirement, and often the airport personnel do not know the status of inbound or outbound personal flights.

4. Do you offer lessons?: Yes. Instruction and other aviation services are provided by Sioux Center Aviation. Contact them at (712) 722-2293. Sioux Center Aviation

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Arts & Culture

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1. When do summer recreation forms become available?: Summer recreation forms become available in mid-April. Forms need to be returned by the first week of May.

2. When is the Prairie Fire Children's Theatre scheduled to be in Sioux Center?: The Prairie Fire Children's Theatre is scheduled for the last full week of July. We try to alternate between leads - boys one year and girls the next. Children must be there every day and must be available through the Saturday afternoon performance.

3. May I still register my child for summer arts and crafts even though the deadline is past?: You will need to contact the Public Library by phone at (712) 722-2138 to see if there is still room in your desired session. You will be required to pay the $5 late fee.

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Building, Planning & Energy

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1. What are the construction requirements for the back yard?

You are allowed to construct a 120-square-foot accessory building without a permit. It should be placed 10 feet from the property to avoid utility lines.

If the accessory building faces an alley, it must be set back 15 feet.
No accessory buildings are allowed in the front or side yards.
The maximum allowable building in the rear yard is 30% of the required rear yard.

2. What are the size requirements for egress windows?: For regulations regarding egress windows, please view the following document. Egress Window Regulations

3. What inspections are required for building / remodeling?

The following are required inspections for building and remodeling:

Footing Inspection – Required before you pour concrete
Foundation Inspection – Required before you pour concrete
Rough-In Inspection – Required before you insulate or install drywall
Final Inspection – Required before you occupy the newly built or remodeled space

For all inspections, please call Code Enforcement Director Adam Fedders at (712) 722-0761.

4. Where can I park an extra car or camper?

All vehicles need to be parked on an approved surface of asphalt, concrete or rock.
No vehicles are allowed to be parked in the road right of way, which is the first 20 feet behind the curb.
No vehicles are allowed to be parked on or over the sidewalk.
No vehicles are allowed to be stored in the front yard. Recreational vehicles may be stored in the front yard only during camping season.

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Centre Mall

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1. What are the mall hours?: Centre Mall is open Monday - Friday 9AM - 9PM and Saturday 9AM - 5PM.

2. When are the Driver's License Examiners at Centre Mall?: Every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm. Call (712) 722-2923 for details. Visit the Sioux County Treasurer for more information.

3. When does the Life Serve Blood Center accept blood donations at Centre Mall?: The Life Serve Blood Center is open the first and third Thursday of each month from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm

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Electric

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1. How do I report an outage?: If your house is without power, please contact the Electric Department immediately. During office hours, please call (712) 722-0761. After hours, call (712) 722-0921.

2. What is the average residential bill during winter months?: The average residential electric bill for winter (November - February) is about $89.

3. What part of the electric distribution system is the customer responsible for maintaining and repairing?: The Electric Department installs, maintains and repairs the electric lines up to the house. The city also provides the meter and meter socket. This includes the gas mains located in the street rights of way and utility easements, service lines serving each customer and the gas meter. The customer is responsible for all plumbing after the meter.

You may also view a drawing of your electric service.

4. Where do we purchase our power from?: The Sioux Center Municipal Utility purchases the power you use every day from Western Area Power Administration (WAPA) and Missouri River Energy Services (MRES). You can read more information on our purchase providers in the Department History page.

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Employee Access

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1. What is the maximum I can contribute to my H.S.A.?: Families can contribute up to $6,150 and singles up to $3,050 per calendar year to an H.S.A. If you are over 55, these maximums are increased by $1,000.

2. How do I check my Outlook email?: If you are attempting to access your city Outlook account at a different location, click here and you will be asked for your user name and password. This information is the same as logging on to your computer at work.

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Finance

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1. Did a recent vote just raise taxes in Sioux Center?: In May 2010, the city held a vote to raise the hotel tax from 1% to 5%. This passed with 76% of the vote. This is a sales tax on hotels in city limits and will only be paid for by people who stay in Sioux Center hotels.

This increase will produce an estimated $70,000 annually and will be used to operate a convention center as well as possibly other tourism and attraction activities in Sioux Center.

Hotel tax rates for most Iowa cities are between 5% and 7%.

2. Are property taxes in Sioux Center high?: For Fiscal Year 2011-12, Sioux Center property tax rates are ranked 412th highest out of 947 cities in Iowa (Sioux Center ranks 57th highest in population). To view comparisons with other local tax rates, view the following webpage Area Property Tax Rates

To view comparisons with all Iowa cities, visit Tax Rate Web site and open the file "Consolidated Tax Rate Comparison Between Cities" under the City Property Tax Files.

3. How much money does the City of Sioux Center have on hand?: The city currently has around $10 million in cash and investments on hand. This is about 25% of annual expenses and is not excessive for a city with municipal gas and electric utilities. Around $3 million is continually needed for monthly cash flow, as the monthly purchase of wholesale natural gas alone can be as high as $2.5 million in winter months.

4. What percentage of my property tax payment does the city get?: If you live in the city limits, the city gets approximately 39% of your property tax payment. The school gets around 44%, the county gets 15% and the community college gets 2%. There are also some businesses located in TIF areas where a portion of the tax bill is split with these percentages and a portion is diverted to a particular project.

If you live outside of city limits, the city gets no portion of your tax bill.

5. Are sales taxes in Sioux Center high?: The Iowa sales tax rate is 6%. Like many Iowa cities, Sioux Center has a local option sales tax of 1%, for a total sales tax rate of 7%. Of this 1%, the City of Sioux Center gets approximately half. The remainder is split between the county and other cities in Sioux County. A sales tax of 7% is normal for Sioux County communities and most of Iowa.

6. Does Sioux Center have an income tax or gas tax?: No. The city has only a property tax, local sales tax and hotel tax.

7. Why did my tax bill go up even though the city did not raise taxes?: There are five factors that determine your tax bill. Four of these factors are tax rates set by the school, city, county and community college. The fifth factor is your property valuation. If all four entities did not raise taxes but your property valuation increased, your individual tax bill could still be higher.

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Fire

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1. How many calls does the SCFD respond to each year?: The number of calls vary each year but the average is 80-100 calls.

2. Do the firemen get compensated for working with SCFD?: No, all members of the Sioux Center Fire Department are 100% volunteer.

3. Are fireworks allowed to be set off in Sioux Center?: No, all fireworks are prohibited within the City of Sioux Center.

4. Can I burn leaves or trash within city limits?: No, leaf and trash burning in Sioux Center is prohibited.

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Gymnastics

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1. What if my child misses a class due to illness or personal conflict?: Your child can make it up during open gym. Open gym is held on Saturdays, during the session from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm. If you are making up a class, it is free. If you are not making up a class the cost is $7 per child. For PreGym, lessons start on the hour and last for 45 minutes. If your child is in a class other than PreGym, they can come at any time and they can stay for as long as they like.

2. When is class cancelled?: Class is cancelled if Sioux Center schools are cancelled or dismissed early due to weather. It will be announced on the radio station 93.9 KSOU, on Snowcap, online on the gymnastic's main page, and on the gymnastic's voicemail.

3. If class is cancelled due to weather or conflict in the coach’s schedule how do we make it up?: A makeup date will scheduled most likely the week after the session ends. If this date doesn’t work for you, you can come in on a Saturday for open gym for free.

4. What is a Booster Club?: A booster club is for team parents to help offset the costs associated with team and is parent ran. The money can be used to help transport members to and from competitions.

5. What are Stars?: Stars are stickers that we hand out periodically during the session for skills that your child has mastered. Children will be given a chart with the skills on it and numbers by the skills. When they are given stars they are also given numbers that correspond to the numbers on the chart. Your child should keep their chart until they pass their level. Their charts are accumulative over the years.

6. What class should my child be in?: Please read class descriptions very carefully. If you have any questions, please contact us by phone or email.

7. What are private lessons?: Private lessons are one on one coach and gymnast. They cost $10 per hour if your child is already in gymnastics. It costs $25 per hour if your child is not gymnastics. If you are interested in private lessons, you must contact the gym.

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Natural Gas

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1. What should I do to report a gas leak?: If you suspect a gas leak, immediately call the Natural Gas Department at (712) 722-0761 (weekdays from 7:00 am to 4:00 pm) or at (712) 441-1106 (all other times). If you suspect a leak in a building, do not call from inside the building, as it is possible for the phone to ignite the leaking gas.

2. What is the average residential bill during winter months?: The average residential gas bill for winter (November - February) is about $92.

3. What part of the natural gas system is the customer responsible for maintaining and repairing?: The natural gas department installs, maintains and repairs all underground gas pipes up to the gas meter. This includes the gas mains located in the street rights of way and utility easements, service lines serving each customer and the gas meter. The customer is responsible for all plumbing after the meter.

Natural gas utility personnel are properly trained and qualified to work on the underground gas pipe. It is also important to employ a qualified plumber to perform any plumbing work after the meter.

You may also view a drawing of your natural gas service.

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Parks

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1. How do I reserve a shelter house?: Only enclosed shelter houses can be reserved by calling the city office at (712) 722-0761. Open shelter houses are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

2. Where are the parks located in Sioux Center?: To view Sioux Center park and trail locations, please view the following document. Park Map

3. Can I reserve camping spots?: No, camping spots are not able to be reserved. They are available on a first-come, first-served basis, unless a group of 10-20 spots needs to be reserved at Sandy Hollow Campground. Contact the city office at (712) 722-0761 for more information.

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Police

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1. How do I get a copy of an accident report?: For a copy of an accident report, please contact the Sioux Center Police Department between 7:00 am and 4:00 pm, Monday through Friday at:
335 1st Ave. NW
Sioux Center, IA 51250
Ph: (712) 722-0761

2. If my keys are locked in my vehicle, can the Sioux Center Police open it for me?: No, unless in case of emergency. Otherwise, the Sioux Center Police Department will assist you in obtaining the services necessary, such as a certified locksmith, to unlock your vehicle.

3. How long do I have to renew my Iowa driver’s license?: Residents needing to renew their driver’s license have 30 days before and 60 days after their birthday to renew. Residents moving to Iowa from another state have 30 days to obtain an Iowa driver’s license and Iowa license plates from the Sioux County treasurer’s office in Orange City. Sioux County Treasurer's Office

4. Is overnight parking on the street allowed?: Overnight parking is not allowed on the street from 2:00 am to 6:00 am. A $10 fine will be issued for such parking violations.

5. How do I pay a parking ticket?: All parking ticket payments need to be placed in the envelope provided and deposited in the deposit box, returned to the city office or returned to the Police Department within 48 hours of receiving the ticket.

6. How can I pay an Iowa citation?: To pay a citation, contact the clerk of court's office at (712) 737-2286. Pay Your Citation Online

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Recreation

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1. How can I find out if an activity has been canceled?: Rained-out activities will be announced on KSOU 1090 AM or 93.9 FM and KDCR 88.5 FM. You can also call the rain number at (712) 722-0120.

2. What is the rain number?: The rain number is (712) 722-0120.

3. What swimming lesson session / class is my child in?: To find out what swimming lesson session / class your child is in, please view the following webpage. Swimming Lessons

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Senior Services

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1. Does Sioux Center offer the Meals on Wheels program?: Yes. The home-delivered meals program is provided Monday through Friday. Senior Meal Services

2. Are there farmer’s market coupons available for seniors?: Yes. You may pick up your farmer’s market coupons at the New Homestead office, located at:
510 N. Meadow Dr.
Sioux Center, IA 51250
Income eligibility requirements do apply.

3. How does the New Homestead Low Rent Housing Agency calculate rent?: Rent is 30% of your gross income, up to a maximum of $365 for a one-bedroom unit. Utilities are included in rent; however, air conditioners are not included in rent.

4. Are home health services and life line services provided at the New Homestead?: Home health and life line services are both available at the New Homestead. Tenants need to contact CHEARS Home Health Services through the Sioux Center Community Hospital at (712) 722-8108.

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Street

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1. How can I get some of my sidewalk replaced?: The City of Sioux Center continues to offer assistance with the cost of replacing deteriorating sidewalks. The cost share, designed to cover the cost of concrete, is $4.20 per lineal foot. City participation requires approval. For further information, please read and fill out the following application. Sidewalk Replacement Application

2. How do I get a "Children at Play" sign in my neighborhood?: Please contact the city office at (712) 722-0761 to request the sign. The cost of the sign will be passed along to you. The Street Department will install the pole and sign. Only one sign is allowed per block.

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Wastewater

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1. What do I do if one of my floor drains, toilets, or showers backs up?: If water backs up in a basement floor drain when the washer runs or someone is using the shower or bathroom facilities, the problem is most likely within the home's private service line and you should call a drain cleaining company.

2. What part of the sewer system is the customer responsible for maintaining and repairing?: The Wastewater Department maintains and repairs all sewer mains and manholes located in the street rights of way and easements. The customer is responsible for the individual service that connects to the sewer main.

You may also view a drawing of your sewer service.

3. Can I discharge my sump pump into the sanitary sewer system?: Sump pumps should not be connected into the sanitary sewer pipes or drains. The extra flow that sump pumps add to the sanitary sewer system causes the collection system to overflow. It could also cause the treatment plant to not work properly.

Sump pump lines should be discharged onto your property or into the gutter line at the street. If you live in a newer subdivision, sump pump drain lines are installed near the street for connection.

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Water

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1. What part of the water distribution system is the customer responsible for maintaining and repairing?: The Water Department maintains and repairs all water mains located in the street rights of way and water easements. The customer is responsible for the individual service that connects to the water main. This includes the curb stop (water shutoff) located on the property, the service pipe running from the main to the house and the water meter valve located in the house. The water meter is maintained by the utility.

You may also view a drawing of your water service.

2. What is the white film on my glasses, pans, and ice cube trays?: The white film is the calcium and magnesium in our water (hardness). These are naturally occurring minerals and do not pose a health risk. To remove the residue, try wiping or soaking the object with vinegar. Commercial products can also be used to remove the film that has built up on glassware.

3. What is "hard" water?: Hardness is drinking water is mainly the result of the presence of two minerals; calcium and magnesium. If either of these minerals are present in your water in large amounts, the water is said to be "hard" because making a lather or suds for washing is difficult (hard) to do. Water containing little calcium or magnesium is referred to as "soft" water. Our water is 38-40 grains per gallon.

4. What is the average residential bill during winter months?: The average residential water bill for winter (November - February) is about $24.

5. What can I do to prevent a high water bill?

There are several potential sources of a high water usage, including some that you as a homeowner can test for:

Check for a leaky toilet by placing a few drops of food coloring in the tank of every toilet. If coloring appears in the bowl, the toilet has a small leak that results in many lost gallons.
Check to make sure no outdoor faucets are unintentionally running.

For more ideas, please call the Water Department at (712) 722-0761.

6. Is water treated with chlorine safe to drink?: Many studies have shown that the presence of chlorine in treated water is not a factor in whether the water is safe or not to drink, although some people object to the taste and smell. The addition of chlorine during the treatment process is necessary to protect against potential bacterial contamination. Chlorine may be removed from the water by simply putting an uncovered container of tap water in the fridge and letting it sit for a couple of hours.

7. Is fluoride added to Sioux Center’s drinking water?: Yes, fluoride is added to Sioux Center's drinking water during the treatment process. It is closely monitored maintain a level of 1.1 ppm (parts per million).

8. What causes white water?: The presence of air bubbles may cause your water to appear white or cloudy. You can identify the problem as air by filling a glass with water. If the cloudiness rises from the bottom to the top of the glass, it is most likely air.